Driving Tests and how to book them

Use this page for more information on the Driving Theory Test and the Practical Driving Test including how to book them.

You may find other driving test booking agencies who offer a test booking service but beware that some of these charge an additional fee for this service. By following the links below you will be booking directly with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and will only pay the actual Test Fee. Your Drivex Academy Instructor will also be able to guide you further on booking your driving tests.

Driving Theory Test including Hazard Perception Test

Overview

If you want to drive a car or ride a motorcycle you’ll need to pass the Driving Theory Test before booking either the Car Practical Driving Test or the Motorcycle Practical Test.

There are 2 parts to the theory test:

the multiple choice part

the hazard perception part

Both parts of the test are taken on the same day. The questions in the multiple-choice part and format of the hazard perception part depend on what kind of vehicle you want to drive.

You need to pass both to pass the theory test.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the theory test you will then get a theory test pass certificate. You’ll need the certificate number when you book your practical test.

Preparing for the test

There are official publications and tools to help you prepare for the test and if you’ve got special needs then there are a number of facilities to help. Our Special Starter Package incudes all the study materials you need to prepare for your theory test and your Academy Instructor can also advise you further.

Who needs to take the test?

Great Britain licence holders

In most cases you need to take the theory test before you can get your first full car or motorcycle driving licence.

However, there are 2 exceptions:

Test your knowledge 1 - in the scene above what do the yellow stripes painted on the kerb signify?

If you hold a full motorcycle licence issued before 1 February 2001 you don’t need to take the car theory test.

If you hold a full moped licence issued before 1 July 1996 following a test and have a full car licence you don’t need to take the motorcycle theory test.

Adding new categories to your licence:

You will need to take another theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle.

For example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you’ll need to take the motorcycle theory test before taking the motorcycle practical test.

If you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you won’t normally need to take a theory test.

For example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you won’t have to take a theory test.

It’s your job to make sure you have the right licence. If you’re not sure if you need to take a theory test contact the Driving Standards Agency (DVSA).

Non Great Britain licence holders

If you don’t have a Great Britain (GB) licence you might still be able to drive in GB without taking a driving test.

How the theory test works

The theory test is made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test.

If you pass one part and fail the other you’ll fail the whole test, and you’ll need to take both parts again.

The questions in the multiple-choice test will depend on the category of vehicle you are hoping to get a licence for. For example, a motorcycle theory test will contain questions that don’t appear in any other test.

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, but the pass mark is different for them.

Test your knowledge 2 - in the scene above what do the zig-zag stripes painted either side of this Pelican Crossing signify?

At the theory test centre

You aren’t allowed to take any personal items into the test room with you. All your personal items must be stored in the lockers provided.

If you’re found with any prohibited items in the testing room your test will be stopped, you’ll be asked to leave and you’ll lose your test fee.

Once you’re in the test room you aren’t allowed to talk to or distract other candidates.

The multiple-choice part

Before the test starts you’ll be given instructions on how it works.

You can choose to do a practice session of multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may need more than one answer.

You can move between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

Some car and motorcycle questions will be given as a case study. The case study will:

show a short story that 5 questions will be based on.

focus on real life examples and experiences you could come across when you’re driving.

The car and motorcycle multiple-choice part lasts for 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.

After the multiple-choice part you can choose to have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

The hazard perception part

Before you start the hazard perception part, you’ll be shown a short video clip about how it works.

You’ll then be shown a series of 14 video clips on a computer screen. The clips:

feature everyday road scenes.

contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ - but one of the clips will feature 2 ‘developing hazards.’

A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.

Hazard perception test scoring

The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score.

The most you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points.

To get a high score you need to respond to the developing hazard as soon as you see it starting.

Hazard Perception - are there any pedestrians waiting at the Zebra Crossing in the scene above?

If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will appear at the end. It will tell you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.

You won’t be able to review your answers.

The pass mark for cars and motorcycles is 44 out of 75.

Your test result

You will be given the results of your theory tests at the test centre after taking it.

If you pass your theory test, you’ll get a pass certificate. You’ll need this when you book and take your practical test.

Your theory test pass certificate lasts for 2 years after taking your test. If you haven’t passed your practical test by then, you’ll need to take and pass the theory test again.

Booking your Driving Theory Test

The most efficient way of booking your Driving Theory test is by telephone or on-line.

Documents to bring to your test

your theory test pass certificate (or confirmation) if you are not exempt from taking the theory test.

both parts of your driving licence - the photocard and the paper counterpart. From 8th June 2015 only the photocard part of your licence will be required.

You must take your signed driving licence and a valid passport if you have an old-style paper licence.

Your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee if you don’t bring the right documents.

Lost driving licence

You will need to apply for a replacement driving licence if you lose yours. This could take up to 15 days. You may have to rearrange your test if this happens.

Lost theory test certificate certificate

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with your name and driving licence number as soon as possible. DVSA does not issue replacement certificates, but will send you a letter containing your certificate number.